Tennis greats back Williams' claims

Two-time Australian Open champion and two-time US Open runner-up Victoria Azarenka backed up Williams' stance, writing on Twitter: "If it was men's match, this wouldn't happen like this. It just wouldn't"

Billie Jean King, who won 12 Grand Slam singles titles, helped found the women's tennis tour and paved the way for equal prize money in the sport, said on Twitter that "several things went very wrong" during Saturday's match.

Last week the US Tennis Association created a new rule that allows for a 10-minute break in men's matches when the heat and humidity are too harsh; previously, only women were given that chance for a delay.

"I just feel like the fact that I have to go through this is just an example for the next person that has emotions, and that want to express themselves, and want to be a strong woman. They're going to be allowed to do that because of today," Williams said.

"Maybe it didn't work out for me, but it's going to work out for the next person."